Collapsible structures

ABSTRACT

A collapsible structure has a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure can have a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening, or an amusement item that is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to structures that can assume two positions, a first expanded position where the structure can be deployed for use, and a second collapsed position where the structure can be stored or transported.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Size and weight are two factors that are important to virtually every product because large and heavy products are usually difficult to store, transport and use. For example, metal and plastic containers can be heavy and take up much space when they are empty. As another example, certain game or play structures can be very large and bulky, making them difficult to move around.

Thus, there remains a need for products that are useful and effective for their intended applications, yet can be collapsed or reduced in size to facilitate convenient storage and transportation.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, there is provided, in one embodiment, a collapsible structure having a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure also has a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible structure having a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. An amusement item is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible structure having a loop member that defines an opening, and a container portion having an enclosing wall that is made from a soft and foldable material. The enclosing wall defines an interior space and is attached to the loop member in a manner such that the interior space is accessed by the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an internal wire that is used to define and support the structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along lines 3-3 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of collapsible structures according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of FIG. 6 deployed for use in a different position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of collapsible structures according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate how the structure in FIG. 8 can be twisted and folded to reduce the size of the structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible structure 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The structure 20 has an internal support wire 22 supporting a covering 24 which is attached to the wire 22 to define an internal space or passageway. FIG. 2 illustrates one possible non-limiting embodiment of the wire 22.

The wire 22 has a plurality of coils 23 that form a helical coil, and includes a first outer coil 23 a and an opposing second outer coil 23 b. Two adjacent coils 23 are normally biased in spaced apart relation in the manner shown in FIG. 2. The wire 22 defines a first end 26 and a second end 28. At the first end 26, the wire 22 extends past the outer coil 23 a so that a segment 25 a at the first end 26 of the wire 22 overlaps with the outer coil 23 a. Similarly, at the second end 28, the wire 22 extends past the outer coil 23 b so that a segment 25 b at the second end 28 of the wire 22 overlaps with the outer coil 23 b.

The covering 24 is attached to the wire 22 by gluing, stitching, fusing, mechanically fastening or other conventional attachment methods. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, a sleeve 30 may be stitched or otherwise provided along the covering 24 with the wire 22 housed or attached therein. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first end 26 of the wire 22 terminates at a first generally circular edge 32 of the covering 24. The outer coil 23 a of the first end 26 forms a generally circular end wire portion to provide support to the first edge 32 of the covering 24. Similarly, the second end 28 of the wire 22 terminates at a second generally circular edge 36 of the covering 24. The outer coil 23 b of the second end 28 forms another generally circular end wire portion to provide support to the second edge 36. Each of the circular end wire portions and their respective circular edges 32 and 36 defines an opening, such as 40. In addition, the overlapping segment 25 a may be attached to the outer coil 23 a along the length of the segment 25 a, or the outer coil 23 a and the overlapping segment 25 a at the first end 26 of the wire 22 may retained in the same sleeve 30. Similarly, the overlapping segment 25 b may be attached to the outer coil 23 b along the length of the segment 25 b, or the outer coil 23 b and the overlapping segment 25 b at the second end 28 of the wire 22 may retained in the same sleeve 30.

A first set of tie members 42 are provided in a spaced-apart manner along the first edge 32, and a second set of tie members 44 are provided in a spaced-apart manner along the second edge 36. As an example, each set of tie members 42, 44 can include two strings or thin pieces of fabric which can be tied together to create a knot. Each set of tie members 42, 44 can have any number of tie members, but preferably has at least two tie members. In addition, each edge 32 and 36 preferably comprises two sets of tie members, although any number of sets of tie members can be utilized at each edge 32 and 36 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As a non-limiting alternative, the tie members 42, 44 can be replaced by VELCRO™ straps that also function to couple or connect two corresponding VELCRO™ straps.

The wire 22 is preferably made from a strong yet springy metal, such as steel or iron, but also can be made from other strong and coilable materials, such as fiberglass or plastic. Such materials are preferably capable of allowing the wire 22 to maintain its coiled shape.

The covering 24 is preferably made from a strong durable fabric, such as cotton, canvas, mesh or net, but can also be made from other strong durable materials such as polyethylene (PE), PVC or plastic. The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaning and should be made from strong, lightweight materials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The covering 24 should be water-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by children.

The structure 20 can be easily collapsed for storage. To collapse the structure 20, the user grips the first edge 32 with one hand, grips the second edge 36 with the other hand, and pushes or compresses the first and second edges 32 and 36 against each other like an accordian. This compresses the plurality of coils 23 of the wire 22 against each other. This compression is made possible by the springy nature of the wire 22, and its helically coiled configuration. With the wire 22 compressed, one tie member 42 along the first edge 32 is tied or connected to one corresponding tie member 44 along the second edge 36 to maintain the plurality of coils 23 of the wire 22 compressed against each other. Since each set of tie members 42 and 44 are spaced apart about the circumference of the edges 32, 36, two or more tie members 42 can be coupled to two or more corresponding tie members 44 to safely secure the structure 20 in the compressed position. To deploy the structure 20 for use, all the tie members 42 and 44 are disengaged and the natural springiness or bias of the wire 22 will expand the structure 20 back to the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

The above-described elements constitute the basic configuration of the structure 20. This structure 20 can be used in a large number of different applications. For example, in FIG. 1, the structure 20 is embodied in the form of a container, and for this application also includes a lid 50, a plurality of conventional casters 52 that are secured in spaced apart manner about or adjacent to the second edge 36, one or more loops 54 (acting as handles) that are secured (e.g., by stitching) in spaced apart manner about the first edge 32, and a wall covering 56 at the bottom of the structure 20 (see FIG. 4).

First, the wall covering 56 can be stitched to the second edge 36 to completely cover the bottom opening defined by the second edge 36. The covering 56 can be made from any strong material, which can be the same material as the covering 24, and functions to define the bottom of the container.

Second, the plurality of casters 52 can be secured to the second edge 36 by providing, for each caster 52, a pocket 48 that is sewn into the covering 24 adjacent a desired location along the second edge 36. The shaft (not shown) of the conventional caster 52 can be inserted into the pocket 48 and secured therein by welding or stitching.

Third, the lid 50 can comprise a loop member 58 that can be made from the same material as the support wire 22, and retained inside a peripheral sleeve 60 that extends around the circumference of the lid 50. The peripheral sleeve 60 is preferably sized and configured to have the same size and configuration as the first edge 32. A lid covering 62 can be attached to the sleeve 60 to form the lid 50, and the covering 62 can be made from the same material as the covering 24. A portion 64 of the peripheral sleeve 60 can be hingedly coupled to a portion of the first edge 32, such as by stitching or by using detachable VELCRO™ straps. Thus, the lid 50 can be pivotably hinged about the portion 64 to cover the interior of the structure 20, or to expose the opening 40. A locking mechanism 66 can be provided (e.g., stitched) along the sleeve 60 and is adapted to be releasably secured to a corresponding locking mechanism 68 that can be provided (e.g., stitched) along a corresponding location along the first edge 32. As a non-limiting example, the locking mechanisms 66 and 68 can be detachable VELCRO™ straps that can be engaged to lock the lid 50 over the opening 40, or can be disengaged to expose the opening 40 and the interior of the structure 20 for storing or removing objects.

The dimensions of the structure 20 are not critical, but must be large enough for its intended application (e.g., storage of objects, depending on the types of objects to be stored). These configurations can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Other modifications can also be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the structure 20 does not necessarily need to be substantially straight, as shown in FIG. 1, but can assume other configurations such as an L-shaped, S-shaped, U-shaped, or other configurations. This can be accomplished by providing the internal support wire 22 in the desired configuration and then attaching the covering 24 to it to form the structure 20. Further, the length of the structure 20 can be varied. As a further example, the structure 20 and its edges 32 and 36 do not necessarily need to be substantially circular, but can assume a square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal or other shape. This can accomplished by coiling the internal support wire 22 to the desired shape and then attaching the covering 24 to the wire 22 to secure the wire 22 in the desired shape. Moreover, any combination of modifications described hereinabove may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, where the structure 20 in FIG. 1 has been modified for use in a different application. The structure 20 a in FIG. 5 has the same construction as the structure 20 in FIG. 1, except that the casters 52 can be omitted, and the lid 50 a has an amusement article 70 a provided on the bottom side of its covering 62 a. As a result, the same numeral designations are used in FIG. 5 for the same elements as the designations used in FIG. 1, except that an “a” has been added to the same elements in FIG. 5. The structure 20 a in FIG. 5 can be used as a container, but in addition, can also be used as a ball toss game. The amusement article 70 a can be a hoop or basket so that a user can toss a ball 72 a at the hoop 70 a. All balls 72 a that are tossed at the hoop 70 a can be collected inside the structure 20 a. A pair of support straps 74 a can be provided to support the lid 50 a at a generally vertical orientation (i.e., at about ninety degrees with respect to the ground) so that the hoop 70 a can be deployed in an upright position as shown in FIG. 5. Each strap 74 a can have a first end 76 a attached (e.g., stitched) to the covering 62 a or the sleeve 60 a, and a second end 78 a attached (e.g., stitched) to the covering 24 a or the first edge 32 a.

In addition, an opening or door 88 a can be cut out from any location on the covering 24 a adjacent the second edge 36 a so that the balls 72 a collected in the interior of the structure 20 a can be removed therefrom.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, where the structure 20 in FIG. 1 has also been modified for use in a different application. The structure 20 b in FIG. 6 has the same construction as the structure 20 in FIG. 1, except that the lid 50 and casters 52 can be omitted, and a pocket 80 is coupled to the first edge 32 b. As a result, the same numeral designations are used in FIG. 6 for the same elements as the designations used in FIG. 1, except that a “b” has been added to the same elements in FIG. 6. The pocket 80 can be provided in the form of a fabric or meshed tube having a first opening 82 through which a ball 84 can be tossed, and a second opening 83 through which a ball 84 can exit from the pocket 80. Connectors 86 can be provided to secure the pocket 80 at the first edge 32 b. In particular, one end of each of the connectors 86 can be connected (e.g., by stitching) to spaced-apart locations along the first edge 32 b, with the other end of each of the connectors 86 connected (e.g., by stitching) to the pocket 80. The connectors 86 can be made of plastic, fabric or any other flexible material. In addition, a zippered door 88 b can be cut out from any location on the covering 24 b adjacent the second edge 36 b so that the balls 84 collected in the interior of the structure 20 b can be removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates another way of deploying the structure 20 b for use. One set of tie members 42 b and 44 b can be attached to couple the first and second edges 32 b and 36 b, respectively, at the location of the tie members 42 b, 44 b. This causes the structure 20 b, and in particular, the first edge 32 b and the opening 82 of the pocket 80, to be angled. Thus, the structure 20 b can be used as a target for tossing balls 84, with the actual target (i.e., the pocket 80) capable of being positioned generally horizontally (as in FIG. 6) or at an angle (as in FIG. 7) to provide enhanced play variety.

FIG. 8 illustrates a structure 100 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The structure 100 is comprised of a loop member 102 that can be made from the same material as the support wire 22, and retained inside a peripheral sleeve 104. The loop member 102 and its sleeve 104 can be configured to be almost any desired shape, including circular, square, oval, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, etc., and provided in any desired size depending on the desired application. A containing portion 106 is stitched or otherwise attached to the sleeve 104. The containing portion 106 can be made from any of the materials described above for the covering 24, and is provided with enough sag (i.e., is not taut) that it defines an interior space. The containing portion 106 defines an enclosing wall 108 which surrounds the interior space so that the interior space can be used to contain or hold one or more objects.

In one non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 8, the container portion 106 is used to cover a barbeque pit 110. The loop member 102 can be sized and configured so that it will snugly fit over the widest diameter of the barbeque pit 110. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the loop member 102 is designed to provide a snug friction fit with the outer wall of the barbeque pit 110. In another embodiment, the loop member 102 and the containing portion 106 can be designed so that the loop member 102 extends past the widest diameter of the barbeque pit 110 to the ground, such that the entire barbeque pit 110 (including the legs of the barbeque pit 110) is covered by the container portion 106.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, where the structure 100 in FIG. 8 has been modified for use in a different application as a furniture cover. The structure 100 a in FIG. 9 has the same general construction as the structure 100 in FIG. 8, except that the loop member is generally rectangular and is sized and configured to cover a piece furniture 112 (e.g., a couch), and that the container portion 106 a has one larger end 114 to accommodate the raised portion of the furniture 112. As a result, the same numeral designations are used in FIG. 9 for the same elements as the designations used in FIG. 8, except that an “a” has been added to the same elements in FIG. 9. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the loop member is designed to provide a snug friction fit with the outer wall of the furniture 112. In another embodiment, the loop member can be designed to extend past the widest diameter of the furniture 112, so that the entire furniture 112 is covered by the container portion 106 a.

The loop member 102 and its accompanying container portion 106 can be twisted and folded to reduce the size of the structure 100. The container portion 106 is compressed to make it flat against the loop member 102, and then the loop member 102 is twisted and folded to collapse the loop member 102 into a smaller shape. In particular, opposite locations of the loop member 102 are twisted in opposite directions as shown in FIG. 10A to collapse the loop member 102 with the container portion 106. As shown in FIG. 10B, the next step is to continue the collapsing so that the initial size of the loop member 102 is reduced. FIG. 10C shows the loop member 102 and its container portion 106 collapsed into a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric frame members so that the collapsed structure 100 has a size which is a fraction of the size of the initial structure 100.

To re-deploy the structure 100 for use, the user merely opens the loop member 102. The natural bias of the loop member 102 will cause the loop member 102 to uncoil and return to the configuration shown in FIG. 8. The structure 100 a can be collapsed and re-deployed using the same techniques illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

It is also noted that the loop member 58 in the lids 50 and 50 a can also be twisted and folded using the same technique illustrated above in FIGS. 10A-10C.

Although FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the use of the structures 100, 100 a as covers for barbecues and furniture, the same structures 100, 100 a can be used as covers for almost any desired object, and can even used for applications other than as a cover.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A collapsible structure comprising: a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first edge that defines an opening; and an amusement item positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.
 14. The structure of claim 13, further including at least one connector for coupling the amusement item to the first end.
 15. The structure of claim 13, further including a door provided in the covering adjacent the second end.
 16. A collapsible structure, comprising: a loop member that defines an opening; and a container portion having an enclosing wall that is made from a soft and foldable material, the enclosing wall defining an interior space and attached to the loop member in a manner such that the interior space is accessed by the opening.
 17. The structure of claim 16, further including a peripheral sleeve that retains the loop member, the peripheral sleeve attached to the enclosing wall.
 18. The structure of claim 16, wherein the opening is circular.
 19. The structure of claim 16, wherein the opening is rectangular. 